[BuyckCabin]

Originally Posted by Normal

Last night, Wildwood voted to raise taxes for next year. I guess there wasn’t enough money left over after building that parking garage in the middle of nowhere for more than 50 k a parking space. Money to burn, and it’s ours as taxpayers.

“Commissioners took their final vote Monday night on the $228-million annual budget.

Total spending is down 18.5% from $280 million last year after the city paid off more than half the cost of a $150-million wastewater treatment plant.

A property tax rate of $2.83 per $1,000 assessed valuation is the same as last year, but considered a tax increase because it is 4.2% higher than the rolled-back rate of $2.70. The rolled-back rate is the amount needed to collect the same revenue as the previous year except for new construction.”

280 million for next year fellow Villagers. Ask yourself what you get for all that, especially since in large part we are paying for the bulk of everything.

Time to do some voting.

We all knew this was going to happen and will worsen if Amendment 3 passes. The cities and counties will find a way to back door us and keep the same monies instead of budgeting and fixing waste.

[asianthree]

Over 15 years between the 6’s we chose to move south of 44. Fully knowing Wildwood tax was included and the $ amount. Everyday sometimes multiple times, I witness Wildwood PD. We use Wildwood community, and outdoor facilities.

Between the 6’s living near Odell, police presence, not even a monthly appearance.

I am happy with revitalizing the area, instead of questionable empty buildings. We enjoy viewing historic events in museums from The Louvre to tiny out of the way museums.

Some think changing or erasing history is a good thing. I lost members of my family, friends to racial violence.
Walking into a local museum having conversations with curators, can sometimes bring peace and wisdom to those who seek answers.

[kansasr]

Originally Posted by Old Traveller

Don Wiley is not a Wildwood commissioner. No chance of voting him out. Don is one of five Sumter County Commissioners.

Nice going confusing them with facts

[Mrmean58]

Originally Posted by Normal

Let’s do the math on that tax amount for you. Living in Wildwood (an additional tax after Sumter County Taxes You) you purchase a home with a 500 k dollar value. So what will be added to your taxes for relocating into the annexed portion by the municipality? Well a 500 k home is surcharged 500 x $2.83. In other words, cough up an additional $ 1,415.00 every year for the rest of your life.

We live in the Fruitland Park/Lake county of the Villages and I would literally kill if our taxes were just $1415 every year. Currently it's more than 400% higher than that figure. We paid higher property taxes on our home in NorCal . I guess it's all about perspective

[Moderator]

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[defrey12]

Originally Posted by Mrmean58

We live in the Fruitland Park/Lake county of the Villages and I would literally kill if our taxes were just $1415 every year. Currently it's more than 400% higher than that figure. We paid higher property taxes on our home in NorCal . I guess it's all about perspective

That's just WW portion. We still get to pay the county too. Don't kid yourself...it's not that great.

[DrMack]

No problem, just vote to cut the taxes on homesteaders in November. Leesburg is just as bad.

[MrFlorida]

Since they have surplus money to burn, vote YES for amendment 3 and send them a message.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Over 15 years between the 6’s we chose to move south of 44. Fully knowing Wildwood tax was included and the $ amount. Everyday sometimes multiple times, I witness Wildwood PD. We use Wildwood community, and outdoor facilities.

Between the 6’s living near Odell, police presence, not even a monthly appearance.

I am happy with revitalizing the area, instead of questionable empty buildings. We enjoy viewing historic events in museums from The Louvre to tiny out of the way museums.

Some think changing or erasing history is a good thing. I lost members of my family, friends to racial violence.
Walking into a local museum having conversations with curators, can sometimes bring peace and wisdom to those who seek answers.

I do not believe anyone wants to erase Wildwood's history. There will be huge costs in opening a museum. The cost of the building, renovations, expense for items to be placed in the museum, etc. There will recurring yearly expenses of maintenance and employee salaries and benefits. It would be more cost effective to erect a few statues or adhere history plaques to the buildings. Instead of expanding commissioner and staff offices, the space could be used to display historical memorabilia. Videos can be made at a one time cost eliminating the recurring annual salaries of curators. When residents walk into the government building, they can enjoy learning about Wildwood's history. A separate building that would cost millions is not necessary. Many cities use this method. Wildwood can easily learn from them.

[BuyckCabin]

I love Amendment 3 like the rest of you. But I truly believe these darn politicians will just back door in levy’s and bonds to keep their same level of wealth.

I wish Amendment 3 specifically said cities and counties couldn’t do that. The whole point is limit government spending and enhance accountability.

[Gn'Me]

Maybe the museum is going in at the over paid for old theater location?
Leader of the Christian Worship INC is political buddy from Leesburg.

(2019 article) Christian, 47, first won a seat on the Leesburg commission in 2004 and since then, has served as mayor four times. Because of term limits, this term on the council will be his last.

3/8/2024 $805,000 WARRANTY DEED 4614/705 CITY OF WILDWOOD

3/23/2018 $280,000 WARRANTY DEED 3406/41 CHRISTIAN WORSHIP CENTER OF CENTRAL FLORIDA INC

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by BuyckCabin

I love Amendment 3 like the rest of you. But I truly believe these darn politicians will just back door in levy’s and bonds to keep their same level of wealth.

I wish Amendment 3 specifically said cities and counties couldn’t do that. The whole point is limit government spending and enhance accountability.

Several new laws have been created to stop local governments from back dooring the residents. Legislators want the local governments to tax within residents' means. This is their objective. I see new laws being created if and when local governments try pulling a fast one.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

I see the press release says not one person spoke at the meeting. Interesting

Very typical. Then keyboard warriors get busy.

[mikemalloy]

This past summer, residents of St. John's village requested that a sidewalk be built along the bussiest street in the northern section. Residents who walk to their mailboxes or the rec center have to walk in a rather narrow busy street often half blocked by landscaping vehicles. It was requested as a matter of safety. The city rejected the request. Taxpayers foot the bill for sidewalks along Rt. 44 between Buena Vista and Morse that NO ONE uses. Wildwood can put a ramp garage in a desserted downtown but a needed 400 yd. sidewalk is denied. I can't wait to vote for Amendment 3. I wish I could vote twice. My neighbors feel the same way.

[Remembergoldenrule]

What happens when you “end” property taxes. The property taxes get reincarnated as higher fees and other taxes. Why you should vote no and leave things alone so they don’t have excuse to raise and create new ways to get your money.